Duluth Orchestra Performs Iranian Composer’s Piece
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - International collaboration is in the air in Duluth this week, where the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra is performing an original piece by a young Iranian composer.
The orchestra performed the world premiere of "Kalileh," a classic Persian fable set to music by composer Hooshyar Khayam, on Thursday. Another performance is set to take place in Duluth on Friday.
Warren Friesen, the orchestra's conductor and artistic director, discovered Khayam last year on YouTube. He had the orchestra perform the composer's "Stained Glass" piece last July.
Reports say that Khayam later agreed to write a piece specifically for the orchestra to play this year.
A youth chorus comprised of local kids is performing "Kalileh" with the musicians.
Khayam is in town to watch the performance from the audience.